Wednesday, April 29, 2015

He was born Jan. 2, 1945 in Houma, LA, to the late Abner W. and the late Merle (Posecai) Jordan, Sr. He worked as a crane operator for many years when he was younger and in later years he worked as a truck driver.

Celebration of Billy's life will be held Monday, May 4, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. in Community Harvest Worship Center in LaBelle, where visitation will be one hour prior with Rev. L.W. Howard officiating. Burial will follow the celebration in Fort Denaud Cemetery. Funeral arrangements by Akin-Davis Funeral Home – LaBelle.

Robert Harold Bolden, Jr, age 80, of LaBelle passed away April 26, 2015 in LaBelle.

He was born Dec. 8, 1934 in Lake Wales to the late Robert Harold Bolden and the late Laura (Stokes) Bolden. He retired from I.B.E.W. Local Union 222. Robert enjoyed spending time with family and friends. He loved being outdoors hunting, fishing and barbecuing to raise money for various charities.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, May 2, 2015, 2:00 pm at First Baptist Church of LaBelle in LaBelle with Pastor Preston Long officiating. Cremation Arrangements by Akin-Davis Funeral Home - LaBelle.

Rafael Rivera, age 66, of South Bay, passed away April 19, 2015 in South Bay.

He was born July 24, 1948 in Matamoros, to the late Salomon and the late Guadalupe (Cadenas) Rivera.

He was born March 21, 1968 in Purepero, Michoacan, Mexico, to Francisco and Celia (Gamez) Sangabriel.

He is survived by one daughter: Cristina Sangabriel of Oxnard, CA, two brothers: Erik Sangabriel, Francisco Sangabriel and two sisters: Patricia Sangabriel, Ruby Sangabriel and two grandchildren.

Memorial services will be held Saturday, April 25, 2015 at 11:00 am at Saint Margaret's Catholic Church, Clewiston with Father Jiobani Batista officiating. Arrangements by Akin-Davis Funeral Home - Clewiston.

Tuesday, April 28, 2015

MOORE HAVEN, FL. -- Wilma Cross, 79 has been reported missing from Moore Haven, Florida IN Glades county since April 26, 2015. Contact the Glades Sheriff's Office if you have any information or call 911. UPDATE: This missing persons notice was cancelled April 29, 2015.

Sunday, April 26, 2015

MOORE HAVEN, FL. -- There is a wildfire in the vicinity of US-27 and Herbert Hoover Dyke several miles north of Moore Haven, Fl. US-27 is being closed between SR-29 and SR-78 as of approximately 4:30 pm. Sunday April 26.

Detour:

· Motorist traveling south on US 27 can travel on south on SR 29 to eastbound SR 78 or SR 80

· Motorist traveling north on US 27 can travel west on SR 78 to northbound SR 29

It is anticipated the road closure may last 3 to 4 hours, however that is subject to change. Roadway reopening updates will be provided once additional information is learned.

UPDATE: All lanes of US 27 have been reopened as of 6:50 pm on April 26.

Saturday, April 25, 2015

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will close a section of the Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail (LOST) near Okeechobee as part of rehabilitation activities on the Herbert Hoover Dike surrounding the lake.

The Corps will close about 3 miles of the trail between Taylor Creek and Nubbin Slough. The closures are necessary for public safety while work on the replacement of a nearby water control structure (Culvert 8) takes place. The trail is expected to be closed in this location from Monday (April 27) until mid-May.

“The rehabilitation of the dike is important to the safety of people living and working in south Florida,” said Tim Willadsen, Herbert Hoover Dike rehabilitation project manager. “We want to keep people out of harm’s way to ensure safety of those using the trail and equipment operators working on the dike.”

Contractors are using heavy construction vehicles and large equipment within all of these areas and any additional traffic on the narrow trail or dike crest poses a safety hazard for recreationists and equipment operators.

In addition to this closure, the trail remains closed between Lakeport and South Bay on the southwest side of the lake, between Belle Glade and Pahokee on the southeast side, and between Canal Point and Port Mayaca on the east side.

Friday, April 24, 2015

CenturyLink this month has doubled what they call their "Broadband Cost Recovery Fee" from $1 to $2 for all it's customers. With at least five million broadband customers, CenturyLink just gained an additional $5,000,000 income without any notice to customers about the fee increase.

CenturyLink is well known for what are commonly called "junk fees," added on to bills but not disclosed in advertising. Most people did not seem to notice their April 2015 internet bill went up one dollar.

CenturyLink in the past has said in defense, "Internet cost recovery is a new monthly recurring charge which is applied to all consumer and business HSI lines in service. It helps cover the costs associated with building and maintaining the internet network.

Most customers would think that building and maintaining the internet network is part of their job and should not be subject to a hidden add-on fee that is not disclosed to customers in advertising.

But, the company easily gets away with it and seems to not be violating any laws unless one might call the low rates shown in ads false advertising because the rates promised are not what the customer is billed for later.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is now accepting applications for a chance to participate in this year’s recreational alligator hunting season.

For the Phase I random drawing, applications will be accepted through April 30. Approximately 5,700 alligator harvest permits will be available.

During Phase I, each person can submit one no-cost application with choices of up to 20 hunt areas and periods. To apply, a person must be at least 18 years of age by Aug. 15. A permit allows the harvest of two alligators on a designated area. Only one application per person will be accepted.

Hunters can submit applications at any county tax collector’s office, license agent (retail outlet that sells hunting and fishing licenses) and at License.MyFWC.com.

The drawing will be held shortly after the end of the application period, and results can be checked by logging in to License.MyFWC.com. Successful applicants must pay for their permit at the locations listed above or online by the end of May 14, or the permit will be made available to others for Phase II.

Any permits remaining after May 14 will be offered during the Phase II random drawing. Applications for Phase II will be accepted beginning 10 a.m. May 18 through May 28. Those who were awarded a permit during Phase I may not apply during Phase II, even if the awarded permit was not purchased. Applicants in Phase II are limited to one permit.

Successful applicants must submit payment for an alligator trapping license and two alligator harvest tags, or provide proof of a valid alligator trapping license (must be valid through Nov. 1) and pay the fee for two harvest tags. No other hunting licenses are required.

The cost for the resident alligator trapping license and accompanying alligator harvest tags is $271.50, and nonresidents pay $1,021.50. The cost for each additional alligator hunting permit is $61.50, regardless of residency. All fees are nonrefundable, and tags and permits are nontransferable.

An alligator trapping agent license is also available for $51.50, which allows the license holder to assist permitted trappers in taking alligators.

The alligator hunting season will run 11 consecutive weeks from Aug. 15 through Nov. 1.

To educate participants on the how-to’s and rules and regulations of the hunts, the FWC offers free training and orientation sessions, which are held at various locations throughout the state. Permit recipients are not required to attend, but the FWC strongly encourages first-time participants to go. These courses will be offered in July and August, and permit holders will be mailed permit packages with listing dates and locations.

Wednesday, April 22, 2015

The Florida Department of Health today confirmed a case of measles in an unvaccinated adolescent in Indian River County. They have recovered. This brings the total cases of measles between Indian River and St. Lucie counties to four.

Measles is a serious respiratory disease caused by a virus of the same name (Measles). The disease is highly contagious and can spread to others who are unvaccinated.

"Vaccination continues to be the best prevention against measles,” said State Surgeon General and Secretary of Health Dr. John Armstrong. "Vaccination remains so important for children, adults and families across our state to protect themselves and their communities from this serious and preventable infection.”

The department is working with community health care partners and encourages all residents and visitors who have not been immunized to get vaccinated immediately. Vaccinations are available year round through health departments in Florida's 67 counties or your local doctor's office.

People who are particularly susceptible are pregnant woman, infants under the age of 12 months and people who are immunocompromised. Measles is spread through the air by breathing, coughing or sneezing and is highly contagious. When a person sneezes or coughs, droplets spray into the air. The virus can live on surfaces or in an airspace where the infected person coughed or sneezed for up to two hours. It can be transmitted from four days before the rash becomes visible to four days after the rash appears. A typical case of measles begins with flu-like symptoms. The symptoms of measles generally begin approximately seven to 14 days after a person is exposed to someone with measles and include the following:Blotchy rashFeverCoughRunny noseRed, watery eyes (conjunctivitis)Feeling run down, achy (malaise)Tiny white spots with bluish-white centers found inside the mouth (Koplik's spots)

People who develop these symptoms should contact their health care provider right away.

Measles is very rare in countries and regions of the world that are able to keep vaccination coverage high. There are still sporadic cases of measles in the United States because unvaccinated visitors from other countries or unvaccinated U.S. citizens traveling abroad can become infected and spread measles to unvaccinated or unprotected persons.

Children should be immunized against measles with the combination measles, mumps and rubella vaccine (MMR). Children should receive two doses, with the first at 12 to 15 months of age and the second at four to six years of age. When vaccinating adolescents and adults, two doses of MMR may be required. People with underlying health conditions should discuss additional booster doses with their health care provider to determine need.

Sunday, April 19, 2015

CLEWISTON, FL. -- A tractor trailer was traveling west on County Road 846, west of Crows Nest Grove Road about 9:13 p.m. Saturday night when after making an improper U-turn in poor visibility and the driver and passenger leaving the vehicle resulted in a crash of an automobile leaving one dead and one injured .

UPDATE: The FHP has identified the not at fault seriously injured driver as Enrique Gamez Garcia, and his deceased passenger as Luis Armando Sangabriel, both of Moore Haven, Fl. Neither were wearing seat belts said the FHP.

Randolph O'Neal Lawrence age 50 of Clewiston, the tractor trailer driver, began to make a U-turn to continue traveling east on CR846 by steering the tractor portion of the vehicle onto the south shoulder of CR 846. The tractor portion became stuck on the shoulder with the trailer positioned across the east and westbound lanes of CR 846.

Due to limited visibility, Lawrence and passenger Yolanda Benjamin, 39 of Belle Glade exited the vehicle and attempted to warn approaching motorists with a flashlight.

A 26-year old male from Moore Haven was traveling west on CR 846, west of Crows Nest Grove Road, approaching the truck but failed to react to the trailer in the roadway. The 2008 Nissan Altima traveled under the trailer portion causing the roof of the Nissan to shear off. After impact, the car came to final rest facing west in the westbound lane. The driver suffered serious injuries and his passenger, a 47 year old male from Moore Haven died.

A 2003 Lincoln Navigator was traveling east on CR 846, west of Crows Nest Grove Road, approaching the two vehicles. The driver, Barry Earnest Staats, 43 of West Palm Beach attempted to take evasive action by braking and steering toward the left, causing the front portion of his vehicle to strike the right rear side portion of the trailer. The Lincoln came to final rest at the area of collision. Staats suffered minor injuries.

Lawrence was charged with improper and unsafe U-turn. He and his passenger had no injuries.

Names of the injured driver and deceased passenger are being withheld pending notification of kin.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, April 21, 2015 at 11:00 am at Akin-Davis Funeral Home, LaBelle with Pastor Clifford Avery officiating. Interment will be in Fort Denaud Cemetery, LaBelle. Visitation will be Tuesday 1 hour prior to service at Akin-Davis Funeral Home, LaBelle, FL.

Wednesday, April 15, 2015

At its April 15 meeting in Tallahassee, Florida Wildlife Commissioners approved several proposed bear-related rules that will be presented for final action in June. The draft rules address a wide variety of tools to manage bear populations and help reduce human-bear conflicts including authorizing bear hunts in certain areas of the state.

Commissioners approved draft language to the bear conservation rule which includes the depredation permit that can be used in appropriate situations. Depredation permits would authorize a landowner to remove bears if they are causing property damage, if protective measures like electric fencing have failed or are not feasible, and if FWC staff have been unable to trap the bear within four nights.

Additionally, the Commission approved draft rules that would allow for the scaring of bears in appropriate settings.

The Commissioners asked staff to continue the educational approach to help people understand how to live with bears in ways that minimize conflicts.

“Education is key. We know that bear feeding is an issue, so we need to continue to be proactive and responsive with our efforts,” said FWC Chairman Richard Corbett. “Properly securing garbage and other attractants is the single most important action for reducing conflict situations with bears.”

As directed by Commissioners in February, staff is also in the process of drafting a policy paper on the need for comprehensive waste management to reduce human-bear conflicts. The report and an accompanying resolution should be ready for Commission review at its June 2015 meeting.

Finally, the commission also approved proposed rules which, if passed at the next commission meeting in June, would allow limited hunting of black bears in four of the state’s seven bear management units.

“Bear populations have grown over the last 15 to 20 years. It is our responsibility to manage these populations, and hunting is an important and effective tool to help us do so,” Corbett said.

The four proposed units contain the state’s largest bear populations, which include all three national forests and the southern-most portion of Florida. The proposal includes a seven-day season in late October on private and public lands. The season may end sooner in any given bear management unit if the harvest objective for that unit is reached. Hunting bears with bait or dogs would not be allowed, and everyone who wanted to participate would need a bear permit ($100 for a resident permit and $300 for a nonresident permit) as well as a hunting license and any other related permits.

LABELLE, FL. -- Rains and sunshine are making lawns and Hendry county communities appear at their very best this week. The LaBelle area has had over five inches of rain in the last week bringing out the loveliness of many communities including pictured above, Jim Green Realty's Caloosa Shores development. The gated community is two miles west of LaBelle on County Road 78, along the north side of the Caloosahatchee River.

Monday, April 13, 2015

CLEWISTON, FL. -- On Sunday, April 12, 2015, Hendry County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to the area of Tropical Mobile Home Park after receiving reports of a shooting.

When deputies arrived on scene they found 48 year old Angela Sutton lying on the ground suffering from gunshot wounds to her face and arm area. They also found 70 year old Paul Sutton nearby with a gunshot wound to the head and was pronounced deceased by Emergency Medical Personnel on scene.

Angela Sutton was transported for medical treatment for her wounds.

At this time Hendry County Sheriff’s Office Investigators are continuing to investigate any circumstances that may have led to the shooting.

LABELLE, FL. -- On Thursday, April 9, 2015, the Hendry County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit, with the assistance of uniformed road patrol deputies, arrested nineteen men and women on charges of Sale and Possession of Cocaine, Marijuana, Methamphetamine and prescription medication.

A ten month investigation into the illegal activities led Sheriff’s Office personnel to arrest nineteen of twenty-four wanted individuals. More arrests are pending said the Sheriff's Office. Most of the arrested were from the LaBelle area and have long criminal arrest histories.

According to the Hendry Sheriff's office, investigators and deputies began the tedious task of locating and arresting the identified drug violators last week in Hendry County. The following subjects were located and arrested during this operation.

Jerald Sims, 43 years of age, was arrested and charged with;
· Two counts of Sale of Cocaine within 1000’ of a Church,
· Two counts of Sale of Cocaine within 1000’ of a Church and
· Six counts of Possession of Cocaine with Intent To Sell
· Sale of Cocaine
Sims is currently being held in the Hendry County Jail on $220,000.00 bond

April Dailey, 56 years old, was arrested and charged with:
· Three counts of Possession of Prescription Medicine with Intent to Sell
· Three counts of Sale of Prescription Medicine
· Two counts of Sale of Marijuana
· Two counts of Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Sell.
Dailey is currently being held in the Hendry County Jail on $71,500 bond.

Lajuan Simmons, 26 year old, was arrested and charged with:
· Two counts of Sale of Marijuana
· Two counts of Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Sell.
Simmons is currently being held in the Hendry County Jail on $30,000 bond

Donnie Keller, 48 years old, was arrested and charged with:
· One count Possession of Prescription Medicine with Intent to Sell within 1000’of a School
· One Count Sale of Prescription Medicine within 1000’ of a School.
Keller is currently being held in the Hendry County Jail on $30,000.00 bond.

Salvador Lopez, 26 years old, was arrested and charged with:
· Possession of Methamphetamine
· Possession of Prescription Medicine
· Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Lopez was released on $10,000.00 bond.

Luis Velasquez, 26 years of age, was arrested and charged with:
· One Count Sale of Cocaine
· Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Sell
Velasquez was released on $5,000.00 bond.

Brandon Caulkins, 25 years old, was arrested and charged with:
· One Count of Sale of Cocaine within 1000’ of School
· One Count Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Sell within 1000’ of School
· Sale of Prescription Medicine within 1000’ of School,
· Possession of Prescription Medicine with Intent to Sell within 1000’ of School
Caulkins is currently being held on $40,000.00 bond.

Ruby Williams, 58 years old, was arrested and charged with:
· Four counts of Sale of Cocaine within 1000’ of Public Park
· Four counts of Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Sell within 1000’ of Public Park.
Williams is currently being held on $180,000.00 bond.

Ulysses Williams, 38 years old, was arrested and charged with:
· Nine counts of Sale of Cocaine within 1000’ of Public Park
· Nine counts of Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Sell within 1000’ of Public Park
Williams is currently being held on $395,000.00 bond

Nekisha Vasser, 37 years old, was arrested and charged with:
· Eleven counts of Sale of Cocaine within 1000’ of Public Park
· Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Sell within 1000’ of Public Park
Vasser is currently being held on $460,000.00 bond.

Nakia McMullen, 32 years old, arrested and charged with:
· Two counts of Sale of Cocaine within 1000’ of Public Park
· Two counts of Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Sell within 1000’ of Public Park.
McMullen is currently being held on $115,000.00 bond.

Billy Smith, 43 years old, arrested and charged with:
· Sale of Cocaine within 1000’ of Public Park
· Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Sell within 1000’ of Public Park
· Resisting Arrest Without Violence
Smith is currently being held on $62,000.00 bond.

Santiago Bustamante, 49 years old, was arrested and charged with:
· Trafficking Drugs
· Possession Narcotic with Intent to Sell
Bustamonte was released on $75,000.00 bond.

Dennis Graham, 54 years old, was arrested and charged with:
· Two counts of Sale of Cocaine within 1000’ of Public Park
· Two counts of Possession of Cocaine within 1000’ of Public Park
Graham is currently being held in the Hendry County Jail without bond.

Gregory Pitts, 39 years old, was arrested and charged with:
· Five counts of Sale of Cocaine within 1000’ of Church
· Five counts of Possession of Cocaine within 1000’ of Church.
Pitts is currently being held without bond.

Amy Ferguson, 47 years old, arrested and charged with:
· Two counts of Sale of Controlled Substance
· Two count of Possession of Controlled Substance with Intent to Sell
Ferguson is being held on $25,000.00 bond.

Rosie Clos, 31 years old, was arrested and charged with:
· One count of Sale of Prescription Medicine
· Possession with Intent to Sell Prescription Medicine
Clos was released on $51,000.00 bond.

Felix Quinones, 16 years old was arrested and charged with:
· One count of Sale of Cocaine
· Possession of Cocaine
Quinones was released to his Guardian.

LABELLE, FL. -- Airshow performer Jacqueie Warda stopped at the LaBelle Municipal Airport in her Extra 300 aerobatic plane last week between scheduled stops during her busy summer performing at airshows across the country. She flew into LaBelle after a show in Columbus, GA and then left for Tyndall Air Force Base in the Florida Panhandle for a weekend show.

In 2003, when Jacquie turned 50, she launched her solo aerobatic career quitting as she says "the humdrum of a white collar profession," and realized her dream as an air show performer, becoming the first female pilot to enter this business at the age of 50.

She earned her Private Pilot certificate in 1986 and shortly thereafter was introduced to the world of aerobatics. She took her first “formal” aerobatic lesson in July 1997. She joined the International Aerobatic Club in August 2000 and for the next 4 years she flew aerobatic competition. She raced her biplane at the Reno Air Races from 2001 through 2004.

Now flying an Extra 300, she can now give rides and share her love and passion of flying with others across the country. She holds a Commercial Certificate in land-based aircraft as well as a seaplane rating and holds a Level 1 ACE card which allows her to perform down to the surface in aerobatic shows and competition.

MOORE HAVEN, FL. -- The Glades County Clerk’s Office is participating in a statewide initiative this Saturday, April 18th called “Operation Green Light.” This is a one day only chance for anyone with traffic tickets or criminal fines and fees that have been assigned to a collection agency to pay those charges without paying the 40% collection fee.

The Glades County Clerk’s Office will be open from 9:00 AM until 3:00 PM this Saturday for anyone interested in paying their traffic fines and court costs. The Clerk's office will also accept payment by phone at 863-946-6010.

Similar payment programs are available throughout county clerks' offices in Florida, including the Hendry Clerk's Office in LaBelle.

Thursday, April 09, 2015

LABELLE, FL. -- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Jacksonville District will reduce flows from Lake Okeechobee to the Caloosahatchee Estuary over the next week.

The adjustment in discharges will take place tomorrow (April 10). The new target flow for the Caloosahatchee will be a seven-day average of 1,800 cubic feet per second (cfs) as measured at W.P. Franklin Lock (S-79) near Fort Myers. The target flow for the St. Lucie Estuary is unchanged at a seven-day average of 0 cfs as measured at St. Lucie Lock & Dam (S-80) near Stuart. Flows at one or both locations could occasionally be exceeded by runoff from rain that accumulates in the Caloosahatchee or St. Lucie basins—those flows will be allowed to pass through the structures as necessary.

“Dry conditions over the past month have caused the lake to drop more than three quarters of a foot,” said Lt. Col. Tom Greco, Jacksonville District Deputy Commander for South Florida. “We are making this change to allow the environment to adjust should a further reduction in flows become necessary.”

Today, the lake stage is 13.77 feet. It is currently in the Operational Low Sub-Band as defined by the 2008 Lake Okeechobee Regulation Schedule (LORS). Under current conditions, LORS authorizes the Corps to discharge up to 3,000 cfs to the Caloosahatchee and up to 1,170 cfs to the St. Lucie.

Wednesday, April 08, 2015

LABELLE, FL. -- A precautionary boil water notice has been issued for the City of LaBelle water service area in the Aqua Isles area. All City of LaBelle water users in the Aqua Isles area are advised to bring drinking water to a rolling boil for at least one minute prior to consumption. The notice is necessary due to a water main break in the area. Crews are repairing the break and service is expected to be restored by 5:30 pm in the Aqua Isles area.

This notice is effective immediately and will be in effect until Saturday, April 11, 2015 at 5:30 pm when a Bacteriological Survey shows the water is safe to drink or a different notice is issued regarding the boil water action. For further information please call Joseph Thomas at 863-675-4684 or City Hall during regular business hours at 863-675-2872.

David "Charles" Lomneck, 57, LaBelle, died on Monday, March 30, 2015. Charles was born on July 5, 1957, in Bonifay, FL and a resident of LaBelle, FL. He loved to fish, "Jack and Sprite", his friends, his boat, his job, but most importantly he loved his Family.

Charles never met a stranger and loved to take care of everyone. You never left his house hungry. He was a positive thinker and enjoyed singing Karaoke with his friends. He was known as the "Florida Trace Adkins" to his friends. He enjoyed going to Cody's Original Roadhouse, Yogi's and the Cowpoke's Watering Hole.

LABELLE, FL. -- Students from the most recent Tai Ji Quan exercise class received certificates of completion Thursday, April 2, 2015 after completion of 25 one-hour sessions at the L.J. Nobles Senior Center in LaBelle.

The classes have been sponsored for the last two years by the Area Agency On Aging For Southwest Florida and Hope Services through a grant from the Florida Department of Health. The classes held in locations throughout Hendry, Glades, Lee, Collier and Charlotte counties are supervised by Health and Wellness Coordinator Sherry Young of the Area Agency On Aging in Fort Myers.

Tai Ji Quan - "Moving For Better Balance" was developed by Dr. Fuzhong Li of the Oregon Research Institute and is an evidenced based three-month long course for older adults to prevent falls and improve balance and muscle strength.

Course graduates will continue the weekly classes for those able to continue practicing, and new beginning classes will begin again this summer and fall.

LABELLE, FL. -- The Hendry County Commission has adopted a resolution to ban unregulated fires during because of the dry conditions in the area.

"PURSUANT TO SECTION 1-9-22 of the Hendry County Code of Ordinances, Hendry County gives notice that a moratorium has been imposed on unregulated fires within Hendry County.

"An unregulated fire means any outdoor fire other than a cookfire which is not permitted by a governmental agency. The moratorium imposed hereby shall be effective immediately and shall remain in effect until further action by the County."

Dennis Riggs of the Honey Store in downtown LaBelle will give a talk on Bees and Honey. Honey and beeswax will be for sale. Refreshments served. Bring a treat if you'd like to share something.

Check out the website LabelleGardenClub.org, which is chock full of information on the unique conditions of gardening in LaBelle. For more information, call President Dave at 863-342-8233 or Nikki at 239-564-2005.

Sunday, April 05, 2015

ARCADIA, FL. -- Wilfred Calvin Jones, 55 of Arcadia died in a fiery crash Sunday morning about 10:43. A passenger was rescued from the burning truck by a passerby and both suffered severe burns.

Jones, driving a 1997 Dodge Ram pickup was westbound on State Road 70 when for unknown reasons drifted across the eastbound lane of State Road 70 and onto the south shoulder of State Road 70 near Sugar Blvd. After traveling down the shoulder, the front of the truck struck a barbed wire fence and a large oak tree.

Upon striking the tree, the truck became engulfed in flames.

After the crash, a passerby, Mr. Levi Parker Teuton age 35, responded to help remove passenger Chicago A. Gainer, 15 from the burning vehicle. In doing so, both the passenger and Mr. Teuton were severely burned.

Both were med-flighted to Tampa General Hospital. Tests for alcohol use are pending on the driver.

Friday, April 03, 2015

LABELLE, FL. -- Kevin Long, RN-Senior Public Health Nurse-LaBelle Schools Liaison from the Florida Department of Health in Hendry County coordinated the annual audiology screenings for all Kindergarten, 1st, 3rd, and 6th grade students in LaBelle Schools recently.

Coordinating with LaBelle School Health Licensed Practitioner Nurses, the LaBelle High School Allied Health Academy also participated in completing the screenings and Nikki Yeager Retired RN also volunteered to assist.

Since there is a lack of audiology services in Hendry County Nurse Long contacted his daughter Angela Long who is a practicing audiologist. She works with the schools in Iowa. Her program is based in Clearlake and she works in the surrounding school districts. Angela remembered a fellow audiology classmate who works in Naples Florida. A contact was made and Dr. Doidge volunteered her services.

Students who had failed the initial screens were examined and evaluated by Dr. Doidge at the LaBelle schools.

Dr. Doidge is currently working with Nurse Long to provide free hearing aid fittings and head aids for those students who need them.

Thursday, April 02, 2015

MOORE HAVEN, FL. -- The Moore Haven Lions Club will again sponsor the annual Easter Sunrise and Pancake Breakfast Sunday, April 5, 2015, from 7:30AM - 9:00AM, at the Cafeteria of the Moore Haven Elementary School.

This event has been sponsored continuously by the Lions Club since 1978. Musical entertainment will be provided by Barbara & Tom Shannahan. All are welcome. There is no charge, however donations will be accepted for the benefit of the Ronald McDonald Homes.

Wednesday, April 01, 2015

LABELLE, FL. -- Staff members from the Florida Department of Health in Hendry and Glades Counties participated in “Florida Health Cleans Up!” on April 1st to emphasize that walking is a great way to get physically active and to support the Department of Transportation’s “Roadside Litter Prevention Program”. Twelve bags of garbage (weighing 26 pounds) was collected. The Florida Department of Health is part of a statewide effort to keep Florida’s roads and highways clean and beautiful for both residents and visitors.

Florida Health Cleans Up! is a venture of Healthiest Weight Florida, a public-private collaboration bringing together state agencies, not-for-profit organizations, businesses and entire communities to help Florida’s children and adults make consistent, informed choices about healthy eating and active living. The Department’s goal is to encourage physical activity and walking while emphasizing how small choices affect your health and environment.

LABELLE, FL. -- The annual Easter Egg Hunt held by the Kiwanis Club of LaBelle was held on Saturday, March 28th with over one-thousand eggs “hidden” behind the Kiwanis Thrift Store as the kids raced out into the field hoping to find the “special” egg.

There were approximately 60 kids that hunted eggs as their family members watched and cheered them on. The Kiwanis Key Club, LaBelle High School students, had fun helping the kids. The older kids ages 11-12 had a great time as well with the scavenger hunt.

Prizes were awarded, but every child that attended received a goodie-bag so no one went home empty-handed. Thanks to the Kiwanis Builders Club from West Glades School for helping with the goodie-bags and eggs.

Kids of all ages, including the adults all seemed excited to see the Easter Bunny. The Kiwanis club of LaBelle would like to extend a warm thanks to everyone who helped make this a special day for the kids and a big thank you to the parents and family members for allowing their children to be a part of the event!

Rex Earl Daniels passed away on March 28, 2015. He was born on November 8, 1954 to James and Irene Gomez Daniels.

He spent his childhood years in Alva attending school, and enjoying a rural lifestyle with his brother, sisters and cousins. They liked to swim, go fishing, ride horses and help out on the grandparent's ranch. After graduating from North Fort Myers High School, Earl married Linda McInnis of Alva. Soon after, he was called to the ministry and became an ordained minister in the Church of God. He has served in many cities throughout Florida. Five years ago, he and wife Linda returned home to pastor the Alva Church of God and be close to family. Earl is a fifth-generation Floridian. He is the grandson of former Lee County Commissioner Kenneth Daniels and wife Frieda, great grandson of Alva pioneers Lonnie and Annie Dyess Daniels, and great, great grandson of Hampton and Matilda Daniels.

Visitation will be at the Akin-Davis Funeral Home, 13932 Palm Beach Boulevard, Fort Myers Shores, FL on Wednesday, April 1, 2015 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. Funeral services will held at the Alva Church of God at 10:00 AM Thursday, April 2, 2015. Interment will follow at the Alva Cemetery.